Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino caused widespread consternation when opting to field a second string side in Dortmund last week, clearly prioritising the Lilywhites’ Premier League title challenge.
Spurs were totally overrun from the first whistle at Signal Iduna Park and were probably a touch fortunate to escape with only a 3-0 defeat. With the tie looking as good as over, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see the hosts once again field a weakened XI.
Although the capital club can boast a strong W16-D4-L1 record at White Hart Lane in this competition since 2012/13, I’ve no interest at all in keeping Tottenham onside.
Dortmund have been awesome since the winter break and have managed to combine outstanding defensive efficiency alongside their lightning-quick counter-attacks. BVB have W11-D2-L0 since Christmas, recorded 10 clean sheets, including just shipping one goal in nine.
Having a fearsome front three of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marco Reus and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to lead the offence always gives the Black & Yellows a major shout but the odds on offer for Thomas Tuchel’s troops are prohibitively short.
So instead, a goals route looks far more stable. A huge 17 of Spurs’ last 20 when welcoming European opposition have featured Over 2.5 Goals with both sides scoring in 15. Dortmund have only failed to net in two of their last 27 away fixtures and when Aubameyang, Reus and Mkhitaryan have started this season, 10 of their 15 matches produced four or more goals.